prayer request...

So, I went to the doctor on Friday afternoon and she said my blood pressure is getting high and that I needed to take it easy. I have to go back in soon for some blood work and they want to do an ultra-sound on the baby to see how he's tolerating all of this. My pressure is not NEARLY as high as what it was with Arianna, but I have a new doctor and she's much more cautious. Anyway, what I'm asking for is prayers. I really want to be able to teach the next two weeks and make it to Christmas break. However, if my pressure continues to rise, my doctor said bed rest is in the cards. Those of you who know me well know that would drive me nuts...obviously for the health of my child I would, but would rather not be on bed rest. Also, please pray that this little guy isn't experiencing any stress because of this higher blood pressure. Thanks so much and I'll keep you all posted.

Happy Thanksgiving Weekend...

We had quite the weekend. Jason started painting the basement so I had to "move out". I packed up Arianna and myself and moved into my parents basement while Jason sprayed our basement. We were at my folks house from Thanksgiving day to that Sunday. It was kind of like a mini-vacation! Arianan loved being around Grandma and Papa and had a really good time playing at their house. Jason finished the spraying and now we're getting ready to add the colors to the walls. Very exciting. My mom and I did our annual shopping day. I didn't know if I would make it this year considering my leg, but a deals a deal...and being dutch prevails. Pain over spending more money, right?! So, off we went at 5am and I lasted until about 12:30. We got lots of great things and I'm (almost) done Christmas shopping ~sigh~ now I must wrap.

We also got our Christmas tree. Another annual event. We head out with my family to cut down our tree. This year we decided on a tall but skinny tree. After getting it home, it looks a little like the Charlie Brown Christmas tree, but we love it all the same. Arianna LOVES playing with all the "nomen" (snowmen) and I have to keep reminding her that they are pretties and we don't touch. She's also quite fascinated with the large socks that are hanging from our wall and keeps trying to tickle the feet. Oh to be two again. This is her first Christmas that she is realizing what's going on and it is so much fun to watch her excitement and joy. Hope you all had a blessed holiday weekend!

Here are some pictures from the past few weeks:

This is Arianna and Grandma when she was visiting.

We've been working on the whole potty thing. This is what Arianna would rather do with her potty seat...play peek-a-boo. Maybe someday...

Helping daddy cut down our tree

Dragging the tree back to the road so we could be picked up by the tractor

Arianna with two of her female cousins (Natalie and Lauren)...aren't they all so cute?!

Papa and Grandma with some of the girls. Arianna, Lauren and Claire (held by my mom).

Posing in front of our tree with the big socks in the background! ;)

and, for those of you wondering why I am not in any pictures, the rule around our house right now is no pictures of the fat lady. Ah yes, I know...pregnancy is beautiful. I totally agree. I agree that when I see other people pregnant I think they are beautiful. I know that it's God's miracle and that there is an actual person inside of me (which is why my belly is large and round) but the human side of me sees the scale and those three little numbers getting bigger and bigger and I suddenly am gripped with the terror that I might soon outweigh my husband. So, until my weight does not challenge his...no pictures of the fat lady. Sorry people, no belly pictures. That's just how it is :)

Christmas Quiz

I found this on my friends blog and she said I was "tagged"...you're it!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? wrapping paper!
2. Real tree or Artificial? real, they smell so good!
3. When do you put up the tree? Usually the day after Thanksgiving
4. When do you take the tree down? Usually the day after Christmas
5. Do you like eggnog? NO
6. Favorite gift received as a child? a "working" kitchen set, or my Cabbage Patch Doll
7. Hardest person to buy for? MY DAD!!!!!!!!!!
8. Easiest person to buy for? Jason or Arianna
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, Willow Tree
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail, the annual Nikkel letter! :)
11.Worst Christmas gift you ever received? oven mitts...thanks honey
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? A Christmas Story or Christmas Vacation
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? The day after Thanksgiving
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? yes...
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? pie
16. Lights on the tree? yes, white
17. Favorite Christmas song? O Holy Night
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? depends on the year...
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Nope
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas Morning
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? the snow
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Silver
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Ham
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? A healthy baby boy, and maybe a vacation :)

the last two weeks...

The last two weeks have been total chaos for our family. I've been having tech rehearsals for the musical I was directing and Jason had basketball try-outs. Thankfully, his mom flew in to help us out. It was a HUGE blessing to have her at our house taking care of Arianna. Obviously, Arianna LOVED the grandma (spoil) time and it was really nice not to have to take Arianna to a sitter all the time.

This year our musical was Guys and Dolls and I'm finally done with my performances. We had three amazing performances...to sold out crowds. It was great. The kids did an awesome job and I know it sounds crazy, but I'll miss it. Here are a few pictures of what I've been working on...

The Crapshooters

Take Back Your Mink


Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat

I got the horse right here...

Mom guilt...

anyone else ever have immense "mom guilt"? It's the feeling that you're just not doing this whole mom thing right. As many of you have gathered my schedule lately has been a bit crazy with teaching, musical etc. and I have not been able to spend a ton of time with Arianna lately. Yesterday, I dropped her off at daycare, she screamed as I left, "momma!! hugs!"...total mom guilt moment. Then, I worked all day. I picked her up, woke her up from her peaceful nap because I had to get going...mom guilt. I dropped her off with her daddy and as they were driving away, she was screaming "mommy!!" and pointing to me through the window...mom guilt. When I FINALLY got home at 6:45, she ran up to me, huge smile on her face and said "momma, boots! (which for those of you who do not know Arianna language means, Dora the Explorer)...we snuggled on the couch and she held my hand and gave me kisses. I asked her if she missed mommy today and she said yes...mom guilt. I put her to bed and she wanted me to lay by her and sing, so I did. Even though I hadn't eaten dinner yet and I was so beyond tired, I couldn't take one more event of mom guilt. As I dragged myself downstairs at 7:40pm to eat dinner, I could hear her cry out for mom and I went back to her for just one more kiss...mom guilt. Then, last night at 1am as she cried out for momma, I went in her room to lay next to her. Something I normally never would do. But, I have mom guilt. Now, it's brought to a whole new level...my breakfast this morning? A milky way dark candy bar and a diet coke. Serious mom guilt. Little one inside did enjoy all the sugar though, he's doing flips. This leads me to wondering, anyone else ever experience this mom guilt? Anyone else grateful that our children love us unconditionally (at least when they're 2) and that they have very short memories? I am.

and the gems keep coming...

Seriously people, I know that I'm huge (honestly, I think it's funny the horrible things people say to me which is why I share. I'm not usually offended, I just think "oh my word, people are so dumb.") So, these are the latest tidbits of pregnancy comments:

1. Are you sure it's not twins?
2. Really...9 more weeks to go? That seems like a really long time considering your size (yes, someone actually said that to me)
3. Well, that's not just a cute little baby bump anymore is it?
4. Even your maternity shirts are getting a little tight around the belly...could you try a larger size?
5. So, is it a boy or a girl? (I respond, boy). That's what I would have guessed, mothers always are so much rounder when carrying boys

AND, PLEASE PEOPLE, unless you want your fingers broken...hands off the belly. Why do people think they can just reach out and touch my belly. Last night, a lady actually touched my belly and said, "don't feel much movement going on in there...must be running out of room."

I almost broke her hand.

must admit...

Okay, I have to admit these two things. First, I didn't take many pictures this weekend of our trick-or-treating. Jason was gone and I totally forgot. Thanks goodness for friends who took pictures and I'll try and get them posted soon.
Secondly, we have two local stations who are playing solid Christmas music already. I listened on my way to work. I sang the entire way. I LOVE Christmas music. I'm a total dork, I must admit.